Three Dimensional Imaging of the Motion of Teeth and Jaws

Abstract

Pre-calibrated position sensors, and a computer or cloud based service are used to show motion in real time of the teeth and jaws depicting six degrees of freedom. The computer receives anatomically correct 3D images of any portion of the craniomandibular system with a position sensor(s) attached. The position sensor data is then transferred with wireless attachments to the patient to generate true to life motion of the digital 3D models of the teeth and jaws. The 3D models are then employed to provide various techniques for treating bite disorders.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for facilitating a dental procedure, comprising:
 generating a three dimensional (3D) model of kinesiologic activity of a craniomandibular complex based upon a sensing of a plurality of wireless position sensors while an upper and lower jaw are in motion with respect to each other;   calculating a dental procedure needed to achieve a stable physiologic bite based upon the 3D model; and   generating a 3D visualization to implement the dental procedure that depicts a portion of an individual tooth to be adjusted.   
     
     
         12 . The method for facilitating a dental procedure of  claim 11 , further comprising projecting the 3D visualization onto the tooth during the dental procedure 
     
     
         13 . The method for facilitating a dental procedure of  claim 11 , further comprising updating the 3D visualization during the dental procedure to reflect progress of the dental procedure. 
     
     
         14 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 11 , wherein the dental procedure is removal of the portion of the individual tooth. 
     
     
         15 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 11 , wherein the dental procedure is the addition of structure to the individual tooth. 
     
     
         16 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 11 , further comprising correlating the 3D model with physiologic data. 
     
     
         17 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 16 , the physiological data of on one or more physiological dutum from a list, the list consisting of:
 pulse oximetry;   heart rate;   EKG of the heart;   brain EEG;   REM;   blood pressure;   skeletal muscle EMG;   respiratory rate;   pharyngometry;   rhinometry;   tooth contact sensors;   cervical posturel; and   vertebral posturel.   
     
     
         18 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 11 , further comprising displaying on eyewear a graphic output corresponding to the dental procedure during the dental procedure. 
     
     
         19 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 11 , further comprising fabricating, based upon the 3D model, a dental appliance to implement the dental procedure. 
     
     
         20 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 19 , further comprising manufacturing the dental appliance based upon the 3D model by employing CAD/CAM software. 
     
     
         21 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 19 , wherein the dental appliance is employed for treatment of sleep apnea. 
     
     
         22 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 19 , wherein the dental appliance is a crown. 
     
     
         23 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 19 , wherein the dental appliance is a filling. 
     
     
         24 . The method for facilitating the dental procedure of  claim 19 , wherein the dental appliance is dentures.